Hear 2 Zen Podcast

For over two decades, Escape The Fate has remained a cornerstone of modern hard rock. From the stadium-sized hooks of This War Is Ours to the crushing versatility of their 2025 release, Redefined, the band continues to prove why they are masters of their craft.

In this episode, we sit down with founding member and drummer Robert Ortiz to talk about the band’s enduring legacy and their highly anticipated return to Australian shores after a three-year hiatus. We dive deep into:

• The Australian Return: What fans can expect from the upcoming tour alongside Arizona metalcore veterans The Word Alive.

• Redefined: The creative process behind their latest record and balancing heaviness with anthemic rock.

• The Nostalgia Trap: Robert’s take on the current wave of anniversary tours and reunions.

• Soundwave Memories: Looking back at the iconic (and chaotic) days of Australia’s premier metal festival.

• The Lighter Side: An unexpected tangent into The Village People and why, even after twenty years on the road, Robert still finds joy in being a "tourist."

With a career spanning twenty years and a reputation for one of the most explosive live shows in the business, Robert offers a candid look at the life of a modern rock survivor.

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview. 

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms. 

Don’t Miss an Episode!📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

Welcome to Episode 288 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast! Today, we are joined by a true architect of rock and roll, the legendary Rachel Bolan. While we know him as the driving force behind Skid Row, today we are diving deep into his highly anticipated debut solo record, Bolan, dropping June 12th.

Rachel opens up about the creative freedom of going solo and the incredible "friends and family" list that helped bring this vision to life. We talk about the powerhouse collaborations on the album, featuring Corey Taylor, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson, and a heartwarming reunion in the studio with his Skid Row brothers—Snake Sabo, Scotti Hill, and Rob Hammersmith.

We also get the inside track on:

🤘 Skid Row Rarities: Upcoming Record Store Day releases you need to add to your vinyl collection.

🤘 The Vault: A special "secret project" involving classic Skid Row songs that will surprise long-time fans.

🤘 On the Road: Rachel’s plans for touring the solo record and what to expect from the live show.

🤘 Aussie Love: Reliving favorite memories from touring down under (and why the fans here are second to none).

🤘 The Human Side: From our shared lives as "Cat Dads" to the core memories of taking our young kids and grandkids to their very first concerts.

🤘 Deep Cuts: Looking back at the Ozone Monday days and solving the mystery of original Skid Row vocalist Matt Fallon.

This is a raw, honest, and high-energy conversation with one of the best in the business. Grab a beer, turn it up, and join the congregation!

Don’t Miss an Episode!

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview.

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

#RachelBolan #SkidRow #BolanSolo #Hear2Zen #Podcast #NewMusic #CoreyTaylor #NunoBettencourt #RockInterview #CatDads #livemusicaustralia

Welcome to Episode 288 of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast! Today, we are joined by a true architect of power-pop and a survivor of the Sunset Strip’s golden era: the one and only Chip Z’Nuff.

With Enuff Z’Nuff gearing up to return to Australia this November for the massive ‘RU PRETTY ENUFF’ co-headlining tour with Pretty Boy Floyd, Chip sits down to discuss the band's enduring legacy and what fans can expect from this double assault of rock ’n’ roll excess.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Australian Memories: Chip reflects on his favorite moments from past tours Down Under and why the Australian crowd remains one of the most passionate in the world.

• Xtra Cherries: The incredible response to their latest album and how the band continues to evolve while staying true to their melodic roots.

• The Jake E. Lee Era: A look back at the brief but legendary period when the former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist joined the ranks of Enuff Z’Nuff.

• Tour Lineup: Who is hitting the stage alongside Chip for the upcoming November dates?

• The Cheap Trick Connection: What it’s like working with the iconic Rick Nielsen and the influence he’s had on Chip’s career.

• The Beatles Blueprint: How Chip’s lifelong obsession with the Fab Four has acted as the north star for his songwriting—past, present, and future.

Get ready for big riffs, big choruses, and plenty of stories from the road. Exactly how it should be.

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview. 

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms. 

Don’t Miss an Episode!📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!#Hear2Zen #ChipZnuff #EnuffZNuff #PrettyBoyFloyd #RuPrettyEnuff #PowerPop #SunsetStrip #ClassicRock #AustralianTour2026 #NewMusic #PodcastLife #LiveMusicAustralia

Welcome back to Episode 287 of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast! In this episode, Mert and I are  joined by a true legend of the scene, Andy La Rocque. While many know him as the long-standing architectural force behind King Diamond’s guitar sound and his work on Death’s iconic Individual Thought Patterns, today we are diving deep into his explosive new project: Lex Legion.

Lex Legion is a heavy metal powerhouse that reunites four-fifths of the classic late-80s King Diamond lineup. Featuring Mikkey Dee on drums, Pete Blakk and Andy La Rocque on guitars, and Hal Patino on bass, the circle is completed by the soaring, jaw-dropping vocals of Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind). This isn't just a nostalgia trip; it’s a future-facing collective delivering world-class musicianship and relentless melody.

Andy sits down to give us the full rundown on the band's self-titled debut, set for release via MNRK Music Group in June 2026. We dig into the mechanics of the new record, starting with the origins of the Lex Legion name and the instant chemistry found in the lead single, "Sleep Eternally."

Key Discussion Points:

• The Origin Story: How the name Lex Legion came to represent this gathering of metal royalty.

• The Vocal Factor: Integrating Nils K. Rue into the mix and what his range brings to the classic lineup’s sound.

• The Creative Process: A look at how the band approached recording the debut album to balance classic influences with modern production.

• The Gear: Andy breaks down his specific guitar and rig choices used to capture the riffs on this record.

• Looking Ahead: Plans for potential touring in 2027 and the future of the band.

• The Curveball: If Lex Legion had to cover a pop song, which track would they choose to "metalize"?

Lex Legion's eponymous debut is a masterclass in tasteful, "less-is-more" arrangements paired with virtuoso execution. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Don’t Miss an Episode!

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview. 

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms. 

📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

#Hear2Zen #AndyLaRocque #LexLegion #HeavyMetal #KingDiamond #NewMusic #PodcastLife #MetalHead #SleepEternally #GuitarLegend

For over two decades, DevilDriver have spent forging a sound built on chaos and catharsis. Armed with a brooding, ritualistic intensity and delivered with the kind of conviction only a band at the top of their game can command, they remain an absolute powerhouse in modern heavy metal.
On this episode of the Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we are joined by the legendary frontman himself, Dez Fafara!
Dez dropped in to give us the inside scoop on DevilDriver’s highly anticipated upcoming Australian co-headlining tour with Cradle of Filth this July. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In this candid and wide-ranging chat, we dive deep into:
Strike and Kill: A sneak peek into the upcoming album and what fans can expect from the next chapter of DevilDriver.

The Creative Process: Why spontaneity is absolutely crucial when recording vocals to capture raw, authentic emotion.
Trusting the Tribe: Why Dez is letting his bandmates take the reins to choose the setlist for these upcoming shows.
Behind the Lens: His experience directing the brutal new music video for "Dig Your Own Grave."
Band Pride: The immense pride he shares for his current band members and their collective growth.
Off the Stage: Why Maine Coons are hands-down the best cats on the planet, and his meaningful philanthropic endeavors with The Freemasons.

DevilDriver is returning to Australian shores to detonate stages across the country alongside Cradle of Filth. Check out the tour dates below, stream the full interview now, and get ready for the metal tour of the winter!

Cradle Of Filth and DevilDriver Australian Tour Dates:

Thursday 9th July – BRISBANE, The Tivoli
Friday 10th July – SYDNEY, The Enmore
Saturday 11th July – MELBOURNE, The Forum
Tuesday 14th July – ADELAIDE, Hindley Street Music Hall
Thursday 16th July – PERTH, The Astor

Don’t Miss an Episode!

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview.

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

#DevilDriver #DezFafara #Hear2Zen #Hear2ZenPodcast #MusicJournalism #DezFafaraInterview #StrikeAndKill #CradleOfFilth #MetalTour #AustralianMetal #HeavyMetal #DigYourOwnGrave #LiveMusicAustralia #PodcastLife #metalpodcast

Welcome to the Hotel California! 🏨🦅 In Episode 285, we’re hanging out with the legendary Davey Lane to talk about the latest massive tour from the Australian Rock Collective (ARC).

This June, Australia’s ultimate supergroup—Davey Lane, Kram (Spiderbait), Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), and Mark Wilson (Jet)—are taking on the Eagles’ masterpiece Hotel California in full, plus a set of greatest hits!

📍 Brunswick Heads | Brisbane | Newcastle | Thirroul | Canberra | Melbourne | Sydney | Adelaide | Perth

Don't miss out on seeing 33 ARIA Awards worth of talent on one stage. This is music played for fans, by fans.

🎧 WATCH OR LISTEN NOW on site (link in comments) or all major podcast platforms!

#Hear2Zen #DaveyLane #ARC #AustralianRockCollective #HotelCalifornia #Eagles #YouAmI #Spiderbait #Powderfinger #JetBand #AussieRock #LiveMusicAustralia #PodcastLife #RockHistory

Tour Dates - June 2026:

Episode 284: The Alice Cooper Guitar Trinity – World Exclusive!

Welcome to a Hear 2 Zen world first!

We are officially making history today by bringing together the full Alice Cooper guitar trio for their first-ever joint interview. Joining us are the legendary Ryan Roxie, the mastermind Tommy Henriksen, and the incredible newcomer taking the rock world by storm, Anna Cara.

We’re diving deep into the inner workings of the Cooper camp, from the torch-passing of a 78-year-old icon to a 22-year-old protégé, to the technical wizardry required to make three guitars harmonize without anyone getting impaled by a stage sword!

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Next Gen: Bringing Anna Cara into the fold and Alice’s uncanny ability to spot world-class talent.

• The Setlist Revamp: Behind the scenes of bringing classics like "House of Fire" and "Spark in the Dark" back to the stage.

• Guitar Chemistry: How the three of them map out parts and harmonies to create that massive Cooper wall of sound.

• The Nirvana Curveball: Who actually pitched the idea for Alice to cover "Smells Like Teen Spirit"?

• Crossbone Skully Secrets: Tommy reveals the "pay-to-play" truth behind Ryan’s appearance in the video and addresses those Johnny Depp rumors, and what’s next for Crossbone Skully.

• Anniversaries & Vegas: Celebrating 30 years of Ryan’s Dad’s Porno Mag (DPM) and the special L.A. show, plus Anna’s transition from online discovery to performing with Criss Angel.

Whether you're a long-time "Sick Thing" or a guitar geek, this is the one you’ve been waiting for!

Special thanks to Vic Chalfant for the amazing photo

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview. 

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms. 

📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

Huge thanks to Ryan, Tommy and Anna.

Don’t Miss an Episode!
#Hear2Zen #AliceCooper #RyanRoxie #TommyHenriksen #AnnaCara #GuitarTrio #RockPodcast #WorldExclusive #CrossboneSkully #LiveMusic #Guitarist #AliceCooperTour #DPM #NewMusic #RockInterview #MusicJournalism

🎸 Episode 283: The Return of the Crab!

Lock the doors and crank the volume—John Corabi is back on The Hear 2 Zen Podcast!

We’re catching up with our old friend to celebrate a massive milestone: the release of his debut full-length solo album, New Day, dropping April 24th via Frontiers Records. If you’ve been craving that soulful, gritty, 70s-inspired rock and roll, this is the record you’ve been waiting for.

💿 The Main Event: 'New Day' Recorded in Nashville with the legendary Marti Frederiksen, New Day isn’t just an album; it’s a vibe. Corabi leans into his roots—think early Boston meets Queen with a heavy dose of blues.

What’s inside the episode:

• The Creative Spark: How Marti Frederiksen helped shape the title track and the album’s organic, instrument-driven sound.

• The Heavy Hitters: We talk about the killer guest list on the record, including Richard Fortus (G&R), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), and Paul Taylor (Winger).

• Beyond the Music: Updates on the paperback release of his book, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades.

Tour Talk: We dig into potential setlists and, cross your fingers, the chances of an Australian tour to support the new tunes.

🧴 Wait, Haircare Tips? It wouldn't be a chat with "Crab" if we stayed on track. Stay tuned until the end for some legendary tangents, ranging from dating advice to the secrets of rockstar haircare.

‘New Day’ Track List:

1. New Day | 2. That Memory | 3. Faith, Hope And Love | 4. When I Was Young | 5. One More Shot | 6. 1969 | 7. Laurel | 8. Good To Be Back Here Again | 9. Love That’ll Never Be | 10. Cosi´ Bella | 11. Your Own Worst Enemy | 12. Everyday People

   Don’t Miss an Episode!

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview. 

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms. 

📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

Huge thanks to John and the Frontiers Records team for making this happen.

Black Label Society has officially dropped 'ENGINES OF DEMOLITION' (out March 27, 2026), their first studio powerhouse since 2021. Born on the road during the relentless Pantera Celebration tour, this album is a sonic journey through Zakk’s last four years—the "highest highs and the lowest lows."

🤘 Inside the Episode:

We dive deep into the heavy riffs and the heart behind the music, including:

'Ozzy’s Song': The story behind Zakk’s most profound and heartfelt ballad ever written for the man who started it all.

The "Beef": Zakk addresses the current drama with the Zakk Sabbath singer... who apparently has been getting a little too close to Zakk's wife. (Wait until you hear this one!)

Dance Fever: Why Shakira and JLo are the unexpected inspirations behind his moves.

The Holy Grail: Zakk reveals his top-secret tips for crafting the perfect sandwich.

Stage Survival: Why taping down your choreography moves was a non-negotiable when playing with the Prince of Darkness.

Zakk takes the music seriously, but everything else? It’s all about the laughs. This is one of our wildest chats yet!

Don’t Miss an Episode!

📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview.

🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms.

📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!

Huge thanks to Zakk Wylde and the Spinefarm Records team for making this happen.#Hear2Zen #ZakkWylde #BlackLabelSociety #EnginesOfDemolition #OzzyOsbourne #Pantera #NewMusic2026 #SpinefarmRecords #HeavyMetal #GuitarHero #PodcastLife

Get ready to crank the volume, because the Sunset Strip is coming straight to your speakers! 🎸

In Episode 281, we are thrilled to welcome back the one and only Stevie Rachelle of Tuff! Stevie is touching down in Australia once again, joining a powerhouse lineup alongside Trixter and Lorraine Lewis (Femme Fatale) for a tour that promises to be nothing short of legendary.

Following his massive success at Glam Fest 2023, Stevie is back to give us the inside scoop on what to expect from these upcoming high-energy shows. Whether you're a die-hard Tuff fan or a lover of all things 80s rock, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

What’s Inside the Episode?

We dive deep into the life of one of rock’s most enduring figures:

• New Tunes: Get the lowdown on the latest music coming from the Tuff camp.

• The Business of Rock: Stevie shares his secrets on staying successful in the ever-changing music industry.

• The "Replacement Singer Thing": We talk about Sebastian Bach joining Twisted Sister.

• Paying it Forward: Insights into his work with rising stars like Vains Of Jenna.

• Fan Culture: A candid conversation on what happens when fandom goes a little too far.

• Tour Teasers: A sneak peek at the full-throttle sets planned for the Aussie dates!

Don't miss Stevie delivering those cult classic anthems from What Comes Around, Goes Around live:

Thursday 26th March: Crowbar, SydneyFriday 27th March: The Prince, MelbourneSaturday 28th March: Crowbar, Brisbane

#StevieRachelle #Tuff #SunsetStrip #GlamRock #HairMetal #PodcastEpisode #RockInterview #NewMusic #MetalSludge #SebastianBach #TwistedSister #VainsOfJenna #MusicBusiness #RockAndRollLifestyle #WhatComesAroundGoesAround